System and Method for Enhanced Hot Key Delivery

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving, at a computing device of a content provider, content to be provided to a media device of a customer of the content provider. The method includes sending an indicator from the computing device over a first network to the media device. The indicator provides to the media device an indication of an availability of alternate content based on the content. The method further includes, in response to receiving a signal indicating selection of the indicator at the media device, sending the alternate content to the media device. The alternate content is sent at a different time than the content.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from, and is a continuation applicationof, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/608,104, filed Sep. 10, 2012,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/742,700,filed Dec. 19, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,203), the contents of eachof which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the fieldof interactive television. More particularly, these embodiments relateto providing enhanced delivery of content notification signals.

BACKGROUND

Advances in telecommunications and computing technology have lead to theuse of interactive television (TV) services on a large scale. Where suchservices are available, subscribers are not only able to accesstelevision content by passively receiving it, but are also able tointeract with the service providers by communicating requests and/orcommands to the service providers.

Generally, interactive TV service provides a subscriber or user avariety of options such as: traditional broadcast and cable televisionprogramming; video services, such as pay-per-view (PPV), nearvideo-on-demand (NVOD), video-on-demand (VOD), promo channels,electronic program guides, etc.; cable delivered PC-based services; andinteractive services through the use of a combination of compression anddigital video technologies. Interactive TV services may also providemenuing capabilities and upstream signaling from subscribers to serviceproviders.

In addition to various forms of video content, an interactive TVsubscriber may be able to download video games or even play theminteractively with an interactive server and/or with other subscribers.An interactive service subscriber may order “time shift TV,” in which aparticular program may be viewed at a time following its ordinarybroadcast time. A subscriber may also selectively view desired parts oftransactional, informational or advertising services. For example, asubscriber may view information on the weather predictions for a givenlocation or at a given time, gather information relating to a particularsporting event or team, obtain news on demand, or query a systemregarding a particular real estate market. Alternatively, a subscribermay participate in interactive entertainment programs, such asinteractive game shows, interactive lottery or gambling, or requestmusical selections. Subscribers interested in educational programming,such as a school or a family residence, may invoke interactive“edutainment” or “how-to” programs.

The combination of broadcast and interactive applications overinteractive TV (e.g., interactive content) creates a possible mode ofcommunication in which a user, if informed of the availability ofalternate interactive content relating to a subject matter of interest,may invoke the alternate content to investigate that subject matter morethoroughly and according to his or her own tastes. However, televisionviewers, who are accustomed to choosing at will between the availablebroadcast channels with instantaneous results, will expect to beinformed of the alternate content in a convenient and timely manner andto pass from one medium to another seamlessly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a television displaying a picture containing ahot key for informing a subscriber of available alternate content andredirecting the subscriber to the alternate content responsive toselection of the hot key according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a head-end and data center system fromwhich hot key signals may be generated and sent according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a head-end and data center system fromwhich hot key signals may be generated and sent according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a head-end and data center system fromwhich hot key signals may generated and sent according to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating head-end and data center processingfor generating hot key signals according to another alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one possible format for a hot key datapacket according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a subscriber side system to redirect asubscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of a hot keyaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a subscriber side system to redirect asubscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of a hot keyaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a subscriber side system to redirect asubscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of a hot keyaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing on a subscriber sidesystem for redirecting a subscriber to alternate content responsive toselection of a hot key according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat embodiments may be practiced without some of these specificdetails.

Embodiments include various processes, which will be described below.The processes may be performed by hardware components or may be embodiedin machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause ageneral-purpose or special-purpose processor or logic circuitsprogrammed with the instructions to perform the processes.Alternatively, the processes may be performed by a combination ofhardware and software.

Embodiments may be provided as a computer program product which mayinclude a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructionswhich may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) toperform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is notlimited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, Compact Disk Read-OnlyMemories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, Read-Only Memories(ROMs), Random Access Memories (RAMs), Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemories (EPROMs), Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or othertype of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronicinstructions. Moreover, embodiments may also be downloaded as a computerprogram product, wherein the program may be transferred from a remotecomputer to a requesting computer by way of data signals embodied in acarrier wave or other propagation medium via a communication link (e.g.,a modem or network connection).

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a television displaying a picture containing ahot key for informing a subscriber of available alternate content andredirecting the subscriber to the alternate content responsive toselection of the hot key according to one embodiment. These figuresrepresent respectively a process of viewing content, receiving a hotkey, accepting a hot key, and redirecting to alternate content.

Specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates an example of viewing content. Here, abroadcast video program 101 is being displayed on television 100.Alternatively, a subscriber may be viewing other types of interactive TVcontent such as pay-per-view video content, interactive games, etc.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of receiving a hot key. In this example,the subscriber is tuned to the same broadcast video program 101 ontelevision 100 as in the previous example of FIG. 1A. However, in thisexample an icon 103 or other graphic has been displayed to indicate tothe subscriber that a hot key has been received. The hot key indicatesthat alternate content is available for the subscriber's consumption.According to one embodiment, the alternate content may be in the form ofanother broadcast video program with content related to the broadcastvideo program 101 being viewed by the subscriber.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example of accepting a hot key. In this example,the subscriber is tuned to the same broadcast video program 101 as inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Icon 105, displayed to indicate to the subscriber thata hot key has been received, now indicates a manner in which thesubscriber may accept or decline the alternate content. In this example,icon 105 indicates that the subscriber may press 1 to accept thealternate content or 2 to decline the alternate content.

Of course, other methods of accepting or declining the alternate contentmay be used. For example, different single or even multiple buttons on aremote control may be pressed by the subscriber to accept or decline thealternate content. According to one embodiment, a single “hot keybutton” may be present on the subscriber's remote control that may bepressed by the subscriber whenever a hot key icon is present on thetelevision display. Pressing the hot key button may be a manner in whichthe subscriber accepts the alternate content and is redirected to thatcontent without further interaction from the subscriber. According toanother embodiment, the user may decline the alternate content by takingno action at all. That is, after some time period during which no actionis taken by the subscriber to accept the alternate content, the hot keymay simply time out and expire. Various other methods of accepting ordeclining the alternate content may also be used.

Regardless of the exact operation used to accept the alternate content,FIG. 1D illustrates redirecting a subscriber to alternate contentresponsive to the hot key being accepted. According to one embodiment,the alternate content may be another broadcast video program withcontent related to the broadcast video program 101 being viewed by thesubscriber. Therefore, television 100 in FIG. 1D illustrates analternate video program 107 being displayed. According to oneembodiment, the alternate video program 107 may present content relatedto the original content the subscriber was viewing. For example, if thesubscriber was viewing a broadcast television program related to travel,the alternate video program may also be related to travel.

According to yet another embodiment, the alternate video program may becommercial in nature. For example, the broadcast television program maybe related to sports. In such a case, the alternate video program may bea pay-per-view sporting event of the same type or an advertisement foran upcoming pay-per-view event. In another example, the alternate videoprogram may be an “infomercial” selling merchandise related to someaspect of the original broadcast video.

Therefore, content providers and/or service providers may be able tosell hot keys just as they currently sell time for commercial spots. Forexample, a provider of pay-per-view video content may wish to purchasefrom a content provider a hot key that redirects subscribers to hiscontent or an advertisement of upcoming events during a broadcasttelevision program related to that content. Alternatively, contentproviders may charge subscribers to receive a hot key service or even toblock some or all hot key signals. Content providers and/or serviceproviders may thus be able to realize an additional source of revenue.

As will be described below, a system over which interactive televisionsignals with associated hot key may be broadcast according to variousembodiments may be implemented over different types of networks. Thesedifferent types of networks include, but are not limited to, cable,satellite, Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC), Fiber-to-the-House (FTTH), Veryhigh speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), and others. Also, if anout-of-band side channel used to transmit the hot key signal is througha network separate from the network transmitting the content, thesenetworks may be of different types and use different mediums.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to one embodiment. This example illustrates, at ahigh-level, an architecture of a service provider's system 200 thatincludes head-end and data center 201, data network 204, and subscriberpremises 206 that also contains cable modem 207, Set Top Box(STB)/Gateway 208, one or more televisions 209 and 210, and possiblyother devices such as a personal computer (PC) (not shown here).

An interactive TV service provider typically operates and maintains ahead-end and data center 201 equipped to receive signals 202 from one ormore content providers. Content providers may be any original orsecondary source of programming or information generally including, forexample, interactive or non-interactive over-the-air programming such ascommercial television stations, cable programming such as weather,travel and entertainment channels, game channels, and other interactiveservices of various types. Head-end and data center 201, after receivingcontent from one or more content providers, may then broadcast theinteractive content to subscribers premises 206. Further details of thehardware comprising the head-end and data center 201 as well as theprocessing performed therein will be discussed below with reference toFIGS. 5 and 8.

According to one embodiment, hot key signals indicating the availabilityof alternate content may be provided to head-end and data center 201along with interactive TV signals 202 from the content providers. Forexample, the hot key signals may be generated at the content provider'slocation by an operations team when preparing and scheduling content fortransmission to various service providers. As will be discussed below,interactive TV signals with these associated hot key signals aretransmitted from head-end and data center 201 and are received and usedby STB/gateway 208 or PC 211 at subscriber premises 206 to inform thesubscriber of the availability of alternate content and to guide thesubscriber to this content if he chooses to accept it. Details of thehot key signals will be discussed below with reference to FIG. 9.

According to another embodiment, hot key signals indicating theavailability of alternate content may be generated at head-end and datacenter 201. For example, the hot key signals may be generated athead-end and data center 201 by an operations team when preparing andscheduling content for transmission to subscribers. As will be discussedbelow, these associated hot key signals are transmitted from head-endand data center 201 and are received and used by STB/gateway 208 atsubscriber premises 206 to inform the subscriber of the availability ofalternate content and to guide the subscriber to this content if hechooses to accept it.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, a signal carrying interactive TVcontent is transmitted from head-end and data center 201 through datanetwork 204. Data network 204 may be any of a variety of possiblenetwork types such as Very high speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL),Internet Protocol (IP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), or others. Thecontent may be broadcast as a Motion Pictures Experts Group Standard 2(MPEG-2) data stream using a network protocol such as Internet Protocol(IP). Therefore, the content may be transmitted from head-end and datacenter 201 as IP data packets or in another similar format. One possibleexample of such a packet will be discussed below with reference to FIG.9.

Regardless of the format of the transmission, a signal carrying theinteractive TV content is received at subscriber premises 206 viaSTB/Gateway 208. The STB/Gateway 208 performs functions such asexchanging messages (including video-related data) over a network withhead-end and data center 201, receiving messages from a user inputdevice, such as a hand-held remote control unit or keyboard, translatingvideo signals from a network-native format into a format that can beused by televisions 209 and 210 or other display devices, and providinga video signal to televisions 209 and 210 or other display devices.STB/Gateway 208 may also be capable of performing other functions, suchas inserting alphanumeric or graphical information into the video streamin order to “overlay” that information on the video image, providinggraphic or audio feedback to a user, or routing a traditional broadcastsignal to a viewing device to which another STB is connected. Additionaldetails of the hardware of STB/Gateway 208 and the processing performedtherein will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 13.

In use, STB/Gateway 208 may receive hot key signals associated with theinteractive TV signals by either the content providers or the serviceprovider. STB/Gateway 208 may then notify the subscriber of availablealternate content as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.STB/Gateway 208 may then receive some form of subscriber feedbackindicating that the subscriber accepts or declines the alternatecontent. If the subscriber accepts the alternate content, STB/Gateway208 may then redirect the subscriber to this alternate content as willbe discussed further below with reference to FIG. 13.

According to one embodiment, head-end and data center may also beconnected with the Internet 213 or other network via a high-speedconnection 212 such as a fiber optic connection to provide access to anumber of web sites 214-216. Through this connection 212, head-end anddata center 201 may supply alternate content to subscribers from one ormore of the number of web sites 214-216.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to an alternative embodiment. As will be explained,this example uses a two-way video network with Out-of-Band (OOB)interfaces at both the head-end and at the STB to provide for thetransfer of hot-key signals. FIG. 3 illustrates, at a high-level, anarchitecture of a service provider's system 300 that includes head-endand data center 301, two-way video network 304, and subscriber premises306 that also contains Set Top Box (STB)/Gateway 308, one or moretelevisions 309 and 310, and possibly other devices such as personalcomputer (PC) (not shown here).

As explained above, an interactive TV service provider typicallyoperates and maintains a head-end and data center 301 equipped toreceive signals 302 from one or more content providers. Head-end anddata center 301 receives the content from one or more content providersand may then broadcast the interactive content via downstream videomodule 321 to subscriber's premises 306.

According to one embodiment, hot key signals indicating the availabilityof alternate content may be provided to head-end and data center 301along with the content signals 302 from the content providers. Forexample, the hot key signals may be generated at the content provider'slocation by an operations team when preparing and scheduling content fortransmission to various service providers. In such a case, the hot keygeneration system 322 detects the hot key signals from the contentproviders and the signals to the OOB interface 320 to send the hot keysignals to the subscriber's premises via an out-of-band channel of thetwo-way video network 304. Alternatively, hot key generation system 322may generate hot key signals at the head-end and data center 301independently. Further details of the hardware comprising the head-endand data center 301 as well as the processing performed therein will bediscussed below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8.

Interactive TV signals and the associated hot key signals aretransmitted from head-end and data center 301 and are received and usedby STB/gateway 308 at subscriber premises 306 to inform the subscriberof the availability of alternate content and to guide the subscriber tothis content if he chooses to accept it. Details of the hot key signalswill be discussed below with reference to FIG. 9.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a signal carrying interactive TVcontent is transmitted from head-end and data center 301 over two-wayvideo network 304. Typically, transmissions over two-way video network304 may be made in a digital form. For example, the content may bebroadcast as a Motion Pictures Experts Group Standard 2 (MPEG-2) datastream using a network protocol such as Internet Protocol (IP).Therefore, the content and hot key signals may be transmitted fromhead-end and data center 301 as IP data packets or in another similarformat. One possible example of such a packet will be discussed belowwith reference to FIG. 9.

Regardless of the format of the transmission, a signal carrying theinteractive TV content is received at subscriber premises 306 viaSTB/Gateway 308. Additional details of the hardware of STB/Gateway 308and the processing performed therein will be discussed below withreference to FIGS. 11 and 13.

In use, STB/Gateway 308, containing an out-of-band interface, mayreceive hot key signals from either the content providers or the serviceprovider and transmitted to the STB/Gateway 308 from the head-end anddata center 301 via an out-of-band side channel. STB/Gateway 308 maythen notify the subscriber of available alternate content as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 1. STB/Gateway 308 may then receive someform of subscriber feedback indicating that the subscriber accepts ordeclines the alternate content. If the subscriber accepts the alternatecontent, STB/Gateway 308 may then redirect the subscriber to thisalternate content as will be discussed further below with reference toFIG. 13.

According to one embodiment, head-end and data center 301 may also beconnected with the Internet 313 or other network via a high-speedconnection 312 such as a fiber optic connection to provide access to anumber of web sites 314-316. Through this connection 312, head-end anddata center 301 may supply alternate content to subscribers from one ormore of the number of web sites 314-316.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network over whichinteractive television signals and related hot key signals may bebroadcast according to another alternative embodiment. As will beexplained, this example uses a one-way video network and a separateDigital Subscriber Line (DSL) connection over a telephony networkbetween the head-end and the subscriber's premises to provide for thetransfer of hot-key signals. FIG. 4 illustrates, at a high-level, anarchitecture of a service provider's system 400 that includes head-endand data center 401, one-way video network 404, and subscriber premises406 that also contains cable modem 407, Set Top Box (STB)/Gateway 408,one or more televisions 409 and 410.

Head-end and data center 401, after receiving content from one or morecontent providers, may then broadcast the interactive content tosubscribers premises 406 from downstream video module 420 over one-wayvideo network 404. According to one embodiment, hot key signalsindicating the availability of alternate content may be provided tohead-end and data center 401 along with the content signals 402 from thecontent providers. In such a case, the hot key signals may be detectedby hot key generation system 421. The hot key signals may then betransmitted from head-end and data center 401 over telephony and datanetwork 422. These signals are received by DSL modem 424 connected withSTB/gateway 408 at subscriber premises 406.

Alternatively, hot key signals indicating the availability of alternatecontent may be independently generated by hot key generation system 421at head-end and data center 401. For example, the hot key signals may begenerated at head-end and data center 401 by an operations team whenpreparing and scheduling content for transmission to subscribers.Further details of the hardware comprising the head-end and data center401 as well as the processing performed therein will be discussed belowwith reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

A signal carrying the video portion of the interactive TV content isreceived at subscriber premises 406 via STB/Gateway 408 over coax cable426. The hot key signals, whether generated by the content provider orthe head-end and data center 401 are received by DSL modem 424 connectedwith telephone line 425 and Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor(DSLAM) 423.

DSLAM 423 is a device that is located in the central office or in thefield and is operated by the entity providing the telephony and datanetwork 422. The DSLAM 423 provides communication between thesubscribers DSL modem 424 and the telephony and data network 422. Theservice provider may use ATM or some other wide area network protocol totransport the data from all users on a DSLAM to its destination. So oneside of the DSLAM 423 accepts a wide area network protocol (thataggregates the data from all the users on the DSLAM), and the other sideconnects to a DSL modem in each home over the copper phone lines.

In use, STB/Gateway 408 receives hot key signals from the DSL modem 424via a network connection such as an Ethernet connection. STB/Gateway 408may then notify the subscriber of available alternate content asdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 1. STB/Gateway 408 may thenreceive some form of subscriber feedback indicating that the subscriberaccepts or declines the alternate content. If the subscriber accepts thealternate content, STB/Gateway 408 may then redirect the subscriber tothis alternate content. Additional details of the hardware ofSTB/Gateway 408 and the processing performed therein will be discussedbelow with reference to FIGS. 12 through 13.

According to one embodiment, head-end and data center 401 may also beconnected with the Internet 413 or other network via a high-speedconnection 412 such as a fiber optic connection to provide access to anumber of web sites 414-416. Through this connection 412, head-end anddata center 401 may supply alternate content to subscribers from one ormore of the number of web sites 414-416.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a head-end and data center systemfrom which hot key signals may be generated and sent according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. This example illustrates head-end anddata center system 501 comprising content reception, distribution, andswitching portion 504, head-end transport portion 505, and hot keygeneration system 515.

Content reception, distribution, and switching portion 504 is connectedwith one or more of satellite receiver 501, over the air broadcastreceiver 502, fiber optical feed 503, and other types of links (notshown) to receive signals from one or more content providers. Contentreception, distribution, and switching portion 504 comprises equipmentthat is commonly used to receive broadcast signals, demodulate thebroadcast signals to separate the content signals from a carrier signalif necessary, distribute and arrange the content from the contentproviders to fit a programming schedule of the service provider, andprovide switching of these signals between the various components of thehead-end and data center 501.

Head-end transport portion 505 comprises a plurality of encoders506-512, optional back-up encoder 513, multiplexor system 514, andtransport system 521. Encoders 505-512 and optional back-up encoder 513receive interactive TV content signals from content reception,distribution, and switching portion 504 and encode the content signalsinto any of a variety of well known formats such as Motion PicturesExperts Group Standard 2 (MPEG-2), Motion Pictures Experts GroupStandard 4 (MPEG-4), DivX, or any other format. Encoders 505-512 andoptional back-up encoder 513 each provide an individual encoded datastream representing the content signal of a single channel tomultiplexor system 514.

Hot key generation system 515 is also connected with multiplexor system514 of head-end transport 505. Hot key generation system 515 receivescontent 523 from content reception, distribution, and switching portion504, trigger programming information 516, and event data feed 517.Trigger programming information 516 provides an indication of the time,date, etc. and an indication to generate a hot key signal. Event datafeed 517 provides data related to content programming such as anElectronic Program Guide. Using content 523, trigger programminginformation 516, and event data feed 517 hot key generation system 515generates hot key signals associated with content to be broadcast fromhead-end and data center 501 and outputs the hot key signals tomultiplexor system 514. Exemplary processes for generating hot keysignals as may be performed by hot key generation system 515 will bediscussed below with reference to FIG. 8.

Multiplexor system 514 may comprise a primary as well as an optionalback-up multiplexor. Multiplexor system 514 combines the encoded contentsignals from encoders 505-512 and optional back-up encoder 513 and hotkey signals from hot key generation system 515 to provide an output datastream. The output stream of multiplexor system 514 comprises theindividual encoded data streams representing the content signals of theindividual channels as well as any associated hot key signals.

The output of multiplexor system 514 may be applied to transport system521 that may comprise a primary as well as an optional back-up transportsystem. The function of the transport system 521 is to prepare theoutput stream of multiplexor system 514 for transmission over network522. That is, transport system 521 place the output stream ofmultiplexor system 514 into a format and protocol appropriate fornetwork 522. The network may be any a variety of possible networks suchas VDSL, IP, ATM, etc. For example, the output stream of multiplexorsystem may be placed into Internet Protocol (IP) packets or placed intoan Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) channel by transport system 521.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a head-end and data center system fromwhich hot key signals may be generated and sent according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. This example illustrates head-end anddata center system 601 comprising content reception, distribution, andswitching portion 604, head-end transport portion 605, and hot keygeneration system 615.

Content reception, distribution, and switching portion 604 is connectedwith one or more of satellite receiver 601, over the air broadcastreceiver 602, fiber optical feed 603, and other types of links (notshown) to receive signals from one or more content providers. Contentreception, distribution, and switching portion 604 comprises equipmentthat is commonly used to receive broadcast signals, demodulate thebroadcast signals to separate the content signals from a carrier signalif necessary, distribute and arrange the content from the contentproviders to fit a programming schedule of the service provider, andprovide switching of these signals between the various components of thehead-end and data center 601.

Head-end transport portion 605 comprises a plurality of encoders606-612, optional back-up encoder 613, multiplexor system 614,modulation system 618, up converters 619 and combining network 630.Encoders 605-612 and optional back-up encoder 613 receive interactive TVcontent signals from content reception, distribution, and switchingportion 604 and encode the content signals into any of a variety of wellknown formats such as Motion Pictures Experts Group Standard 2 (MPEG-2),Motion Pictures Experts Group Standard 4 (MPEG-4), DivX, or any otherformat. Encoders 605-612 and optional back-up encoder 613 each providean individual encoded data stream representing the content signal of asingle channel to multiplexor system 614.

Multiplexor system 614 may comprise a primary as well as an optionalback-up multiplexor. Multiplexor system 614 combines the encoded contentsignals from encoders 605-612 and optional back-up encoder 613 toprovide an output data stream. The output stream of multiplexor system614 comprises the individual encoded data streams representing thecontent signals of the individual channels.

The output stream of multiplexor system 614 may be applied to amodulation system 618. Modulation system 618 may comprise a primary aswell as an optional back-up modulator. Modulation system 618 uses theoutput data stream of multiplexor system 614 to modulate a carrierfrequency for transmission from the head-end system 601.

Modulation system 618 supplies the modulated carrier signal to upconverters 619. Up converters 619 may comprise primary as well asoptional back-up converters. Additionally, up converters 619 maycomprise multiple stages of converters. The function of up converters619 is to increase the modulated carrier frequency to a range that issuitable for broadcast. Up converters 619 then transmit the modulatedcarrier signal from head-end and data center 601 via network 620 tosubscribers.

Hot key generation system 615 receives content 623 from contentreception, distribution, and switching portion 604, trigger programminginformation 616, and event data feed 617. Trigger programminginformation 616 provides an indication of the time, date, etc. and anindication to generate a hot key signal. Event data feed 617 providesdata related to content programming such as an Electronic Program Guide.Using content 623, trigger programming information 616, and event datafeed 617 hot key generation system 615 generates hot key signalsassociated with content to be broadcast from head-end and data center601 and outputs the hot key signals to router 632. Exemplary processesfor generating hot key signals as may be performed by hot key generationsystem 615 will be discussed below with reference to FIG. 8.

Router 632 directs the hot key signal to one or more subscribersconnected with the head-end and data. That is, router 632 adds addressor multicast information to the hot key signal indicating destinationsfor the hot key signal. Router 632 then sends the hot key signals to OOBinterface 631. OOB interface 631 modulates the hot key signal fortransmission over an out-of-band side channel to the two-way videonetwork. For example, if the hot key signal is sent using an out-of-bandsignaling method such as STCE 55-1, SCTE 55-2, Digital Audio VisualCouncil (DAVIC), Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification(DOCSIS), or similar method, the OOB interface 631 may include aQuaternary Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulator and demodulator. OOBinterface 631 sends the modulated signal to combining network 630.Combining network 630 combines the modulated video signals and themodulated hot key signals for transmission to one or more subscribers.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a head-end and data center system fromwhich hot key signals may be generated and sent according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. This example illustrates head-end anddata center system 701 comprising content reception, distribution, andswitching portion 704, head-end transport portion 705, and hot keygeneration system 715.

Content reception, distribution, and switching portion 704 is connectedwith one or more of satellite receiver 701, over the air broadcastreceiver 702, fiber optical feed 703, and other types of links (notshown) to receive signals from one or more content providers. Contentreception, distribution, and switching portion 704 comprises equipmentthat is commonly used to receive broadcast signals, demodulate thebroadcast signals to separate the content signals from a carrier signalif necessary, distribute and arrange the content from the contentproviders to fit a programming schedule of the service provider, andprovide switching of these signals between the various components of thehead-end and data center 701.

Head-end transport portion 705 comprises a plurality of encoders706-712, optional back-up encoder 713, multiplexor system 714,modulation system 718, and up converters 719. Encoders 705-712 andoptional back-up encoder 713 receive interactive TV content signals fromcontent reception, distribution, and switching portion 704 and encodethe content signals into any of a variety of well known formats such asMotion Pictures Experts Group Standard 2 (MPEG-2), Motion PicturesExperts Group Standard 4 (MPEG-4), DivX, or any other format. Encoders705-712 and optional back-up encoder 713 each provide an individualencoded data stream representing the content signal of a single channelto multiplexor system 714.

Multiplexor system 714 may comprise a primary as well as an optionalback-up multiplexor. Multiplexor system 714 combines the encoded contentsignals from encoders 705-712 and optional back-up encoder 713 toprovide an output data stream. The output stream of multiplexor system714 comprises the individual encoded data streams representing thecontent signals of the individual channels.

The output stream of multiplexor system 714 may be applied to amodulation system 718. Modulation system 718 may comprise a primary aswell as an optional back-up modulator. Modulation system 718 uses theoutput data stream of multiplexor system 714 to modulate a carrierfrequency for transmission from the head-end system 701.

Modulation system 718 supplies the modulated carrier signal to upconverters 719. Up converters 719 may comprise primary as well asoptional back-up converters. Additionally, up converters 719 maycomprise multiple stages of converters. The function of up converters719 is to increase the modulated carrier frequency to a range that issuitable for broadcast. Up converters 719 then transmit the modulatedcarrier signal from head-end and data center 701 via network 720 tosubscribers.

The one-way video network 720 may include a one-way cable network, aone-way satellite video network, or any other one-way network that maybe used to deliver video content.

Hot key generation system 715 receives content 723 from contentreception, distribution, and switching portion 704, trigger programminginformation 716, and event data feed 717. Trigger programminginformation 516 provides an indication of the time, date, etc. and anindication to generate a hot key signal. Event data feed 517 providesdata related to content programming such as an Electronic Program Guide.Using content 723, trigger programming information 716, and event datafeed 717 hot key generation system 715 generates hot key signalsassociated with content to be broadcast from head-end and data center701 and outputs the hot key signals to router 731. Exemplary processesfor generating hot key signals as may be performed by hot key generationsystem 715 will be discussed below with reference to FIG. 8.

Router 731 directs the hot key signal to one or more subscribersconnected with the head-end and data via telephony and data network 732.That is, router 731 adds address or multicast information to the hot keysignal indicating destinations for the hot key signal. Router 731 thensends the hot key signals to subscribers via telephone and data network732.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating head-end and data center processingfor adding hot key signals to a broadcast signal according to oneembodiment. This process may be performed by a system such as the hotkey generation system of the head-end and data center described abovewith reference to FIGS. 5-7 or any other system with similarcapabilities.

First, at decision block 800, the system determines whether a hot keysignal should be added to the current content. This determination may bemade by a local television operator such as a decision to provide a hotkey on a local advertisement that gives the subscriber the opportunityto find out more about a local product. Alternatively, thisdetermination may be made by an original national content provider suchas a national network to provide a hot key to all subscribers or tosubscribers living in a certain state or region. An indication uponwhich this decision may be based may be passed in trigger informationfrom the content provider to the head-end. Alternatively, thedetermination may be made at the head-end based on programminginformation or other information supplied by an operations team.

If a hot key signal is to be added to the current content, the hot keysignal may be generated at processing block 805. As discussed below, thehot key signal may be in any of a variety of formats depending upon thesystem upon which the signals may be sent. An exemplary format isillustrated in FIG. 9 below. Generally, generating the hot key signalcomprises generating information indicating a destination to which thesignal should be sent, data associating the hot key with the content,and other possible information. The destination information may bemulticast information or specific addresses from a database. Theinformation associating the hot key with the content may be based on thetrigger information initiating the generation of the hot key signal.

Finally, at processing block 805, the hot key signal is sent to one ormore subscribers via an out-of-band side channel as described above.That is, the hot key IP packet or other signal is transmitted over aside-channel other than an out-of-band with the channel over which thecontent is transmitted as described above with reference to FIGS. 2-7.According to one embodiment, the hot key signal may be generated andsent according to the out-of-band signaling methods described in theSociety of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (STCE) standards STCE55-1,STCE55-2, or similar methods for out-of-band signaling.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one possible format for a hot key datapacket according to one embodiment. This example illustrates an IP datapacket 900. The IP data packet includes a header 901 and a body 902.

Header 901 includes a number of fields 903-911 that are typically foundin IP data packets. These fields include a source port 903, adestination port 904, a sequence number 905, an acknowledgement number906, a data offset 907, a reserved field 908, a window field 909,checksum data 910, and an urgent pointer 911. It should be noted thatsuch an IP data packet may be sent to multiple address using IPmulticasting. Multicasting therefore allows efficient broadcasting ofthe hot key signals from the head-end and data center to subscribers.

Body 902 may also include a number of fields 912-920. These fields mayinclude a hot key type 912, a content type 913, a content location 914,optional content association field 915 and optionally a message field920. In various applications, the number of fields used, size of thefields, type of data presented, format of the data, content of thefields, etc. may vary. For example, in some cases not all of the fieldspresented here may be used. In other cases, additional data may bepresented such as additional graphical or textual information.Additionally, the data may be presented in a wide variety of formatssuch as plain American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)text, other binary representations or even encrypted.

Regardless of format, hot key type field 912 may represent the type ofhot key signal being used. For example, the hot key signal representedby IP data packet 900 may indicate that alternate content is availableon another channel or on a web site. Alternatively, the hot key signalmay indicate that alternate content is available to be cached on thesubscriber's terminal device.

Content type field 913 may represent the type, genre, or other detailsabout the alternate content. For example, this field 913 may be used toindicate that the alternate content is a sporting event or movie. Ofcourse, additional details may also be included. For example, the field913 may indicate that the alternate content is an action movie and namethe actors and director. This information may be used by thesubscriber's terminal device to judge the relevance of the hot keysignal to the subscriber as will be discussed below.

Content location field 914 may indicate where the alternate content islocated. For example, this field 914 may indicate another channel, a website URL or indicate that the content has been cached on thesubscriber's terminal device.

Optional content association field 915 may contain information relatingthe hot key signal to specific content. For example, the contentassociation field 915 may indicate a channel to which the hot key signalis related and possibly a time during which the hot key signal isactive. In this way, a hot key signal sent via an out-of-band sidechannel can be sent asynchronously with the content.

Optional message field 920 may include additional textual or graphicalinformation regarding the hot key or the alternate content. For example,the message field 920 may contain a text message to be displayed to thesubscriber providing details of the alternate content. This message maybe presented to the subscriber automatically or at his option to helpthe subscriber decide whether to accept or decline the hot key.

Alternatively, the hot key signal may be generated in a variety of otherformats for use in a variety of different systems. For example, ratherthan generating a specialized IP packet for the hot key signal, hot keyinformation may be added to an MPEG data stream. In another example, thehot key signal may be added to an NTSC or HDTV signal prior to encoding.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a subscriber side system toredirect a subscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of ahot key according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. Thesubscriber side system may vary significantly. The subscriber sidesystem comprising a terminal device, STB, Gateway or similar device,performs functions such as exchanging messages (including video-relateddata) over a network with head-end and data center, receiving messagesfrom a user input device, such as a hand-held remote control unit,translating video signals from a network-native format into a formatthat can be used by televisions or other display devices, providing avideo signal to televisions or other display devices, and otherfunctions.

The functionality of the subscriber side system may reside in astand-alone device, literally a box that can be placed on, or at leastnear, the television, that is similar in outward form to conventionaldevices for receiving cable programs. The subscriber side systemfunctionality could alternatively be performed by hardware residentelsewhere, such as within the television or display console, or by anysuitably equipped terminal device. Since the hardware may be proprietaryto the service provider and may generally be a physically independentdevice, the term set top box is used here, but any type of terminaldevice with similar functionality may be used.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the subscriber side systemcomprises an STB. The STB comprises interface 1001, demultiplexor 1002,decoder 1003, graphics processor 1004, central processing unit (CPU)1005, optional hard disk drive 1006 or other mass storage device, memory1007, and various possible inputs and outputs 1008.

Interface 1001 receives signals from the service provider network 1004over any of a variety of media as discussed above. Interface 1001 is aninterface suitable for communicating via the service provider's network1014. Since the service provider's network may be a variety of differenttypes, the interface may be a VDSL, IP, ATM, or other type of interfacedepending upon the network type used.

Demultiplexor 1002 receives the content signals from interface 1001 andseparates the content into multiple data streams representing variouschannels. The multiple data streams are then supplied as an input todecoder 1003.

Decoder 1003 receives the multiple data streams from demultiplexor 1002and decodes or decompresses the data streams using an appropriatealgorithm. For example, if the head-end and data center compressed thevideo signals into an MPEG-2 data stream, decoder 1003 will decode theMPEG-2 data stream from demultiplexor 1002 to form a standard videosignal. The video signal from decoder 1003 is then supplied to graphicsprocessor 1004.

Graphics processor 1004 receives the decoded video signals from decoder1003 and processes the video signals to reduce noise, provideamplifications, etc. Processed video signals from graphics processor1004 are supplied to input/output module 1008. Input/output module 1008may provide a variety of possible output types. For example, outputs mayinclude but are not limited to Audio/Video (A/V), Radio Frequency (RF),Sony/Phillips Digital Interface (SPDIF), Universal Serial Bus (USB), andothers.

Input/output module 1008 also receives control signals from thesubscriber. These control signals are typically Infrared (IR) or RadioFrequency (RF) signals from a remote control unit. Control signals fromthe subscriber are then fed back from input/output module 1008 toCentral Processing Unit (CPU) 1005.

CPU 1005 executes instructions stored in memory 1007. Memory 1007 maycomprise a Random Access Memory (RAM) such as flash memory, or othernon-volatile memory. The instructions stored in memory 1007, whenexecuted by CPU 1005 cause CPU 1005 to perform various functions such ascontrolling the various elements of the STB, receiving hot key signals,and switching to alternate content as will be described below withreference to FIG. 13.

Generally, a hot key signal will be received at interface 1001 alongwith content signals from the head-end and data center and transmittedover service provider network 1004. CPU 1005 monitors the data streamspassing through interface 1001 for the presence of relevant hot keysignals.

The STB may also contain an optional hard disk drive 1006 or other massstorage device. Hard disk drive 1006 allows the STB to cache alternatecontent for later viewing by the subscriber. If CPU 1005 detects a hotkey signals instructing content to be cached, the demultiplexed datastream from demultiplexor 1002 may be saved on hard disk drive 1006. Thestill compressed content is stored on hard disk drive 1006 until thesubscriber chooses to view it. Once the subscriber chooses to view thecached content, CPU 1005 may retrieve the content from hard disk drive1006 and provide the compressed data stream to be decoded by decoder1003, processed by graphics processor 1004, and output throughinput/output module 1008.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a subscriber side system to redirect asubscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of a hot keyaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. As discussed above,the subscriber side system may vary significantly. The subscriber sidesystem comprising a terminal device, STB, Gateway or similar device,performs functions such as exchanging messages (including video-relateddata) over a network with head-end and data center, receiving messagesfrom a user input device, such as a hand-held remote control unit,translating video signals from a network-native format into a formatthat can be used by televisions or other display devices, providing avideo signal to televisions or other display devices, and otherfunctions.

The functionality of the subscriber side system may reside in astand-alone device, literally a box that can be placed on, or at leastnear, the television, that is similar in outward form to conventionaldevices for receiving cable programs. The subscriber side systemfunctionality could alternatively be performed by hardware residentelsewhere, such as within the television or display console, or by anysuitably equipped terminal device. Since the hardware may be proprietaryto the service provider and may generally be a physically independentdevice, the term set top box is used here, but any type of terminaldevice with similar functionality may be used.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the subscriber side systemcomprises an STB. The STB comprises tuner, receiver, demodulator 1101,demultiplexor 1102, decoder 1103, graphics processor 1104, centralprocessing unit (CPU) 1105, optional hard disk drive 1106 or other massstorage device, memory 1107, OOB interface 1115, and various possibleinputs and outputs 1108.

Tuner, receiver, demodulator 1101 receives signals from the serviceprovider network 1114 over any of a variety of media as discussed above.Specifically, tuner, receiver, demodulator 1101 receives signals of afrequency band to which it is tuned and demodulates the signals toremove content signals from a carrier signal if any. Demodulated contentsignals are then supplied by tuner, receiver, demodulator 1101 todemultiplexor 1102.

Demultiplexor 1102 receives the demodulated content signals from tuner,receiver, demodulator 1101 and separates the content into multiple datastreams representing various channels. The multiple data streams arethen supplied as an input to decoder 1103.

Decoder 1103 receives the multiple data streams from demultiplexor 1102and decodes or decompresses the data streams using an appropriatealgorithm. For example, if the head-end and data center compressed thevideo signals into an MPEG-2 data stream, decoder 1103 will decode theMPEG-2 data stream from demultiplexor 1102 to form a standard videosignal The video signal from decoder 1103 is then supplied to graphicsprocessor 1104.

Graphics processor 1104 receives the decoded video signals from decoder1103 and processes the video signals to reduce noise, provideamplifications, etc. Processed video signals from graphics processor1104 are supplied to input/output module 1108. Input/output module 1108may provide a variety of possible output types. For example, outputs mayinclude but are not limited to Audio/Video (A/V), Radio Frequency (RF),Sony/Phillips Digital Interface (SPDIF), Universal Serial Bus (USB), andothers.

Input/output module 1108 also receives control signals from thesubscriber. These control signals are typically Infrared (IR) or RadioFrequency (RF) signals from a remote control unit. Control signals fromthe subscriber are then fed back from input/output module 1108 toCentral Processing Unit (CPU) 1105.

OOB interface modulator and demodulator 1115 is also connected with andreceives signals from the service provider via a side channelout-of-band with the content. OOB interface 1115 contains modulators anddemodulators appropriate for sending and receiving signals according tothe standards used by the head-end and data center for sending hot keysignals. For example, if the hot key signal is sent using an out-of-bandsignaling method such as STCE 55-1, SCTE 55-2, Digital Audio VisualCouncil (DAVIC), Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification(DOCSIS), or similar method, the OOB interface 1115 may include aQuaternary Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulator and demodulator. OOBinterface modulator and demodulator 1115 receives, demodulates anddetects any hot key signals sent to the STB via the out-of-band sidechannel of the service provider's network 1114.

CPU 1105 executes instructions stored in memory 1107. Memory 1107 maycomprise a Random Access Memory (RAM) such as flash memory, or othernon-volatile memory. The instructions stored in memory 1107, whenexecuted by CPU 1105 cause CPU 1105 to perform various functions such ascontrolling the various elements of the STB, receiving hot key signals,and switching to alternate content as will be described below withreference to FIG. 13.

The STB may also contain an optional hard disk drive 1106 or other massstorage device. Hard disk drive 1106 allows the STB to cache alternatecontent for later viewing by the subscriber. If CPU 1105 detects a hotkey signals instructing content to be cached, the demultiplexed datastream from demultiplexor 1102 may be saved on hard disk drive 1106. Thestill compressed content is stored on hard disk drive 1106 until thesubscriber chooses to view it. Once the subscriber chooses to view thecached content, CPU 1105 may retrieve the content from hard disk drive1106 and provide the compressed data stream to be decoded by decoder1103, processed by graphics processor 1104, and output throughinput/output module 1108.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a subscriber side system to redirect asubscriber to alternate content responsive to selection of a hot keyaccording to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. As discussed above,the subscriber side system may vary significantly. The subscriber sidesystem comprising a terminal device, SIB, Gateway or similar device,performs functions such as exchanging messages (including video-relateddata) over a network with head-end and data center, receiving messagesfrom a user input device, such as a hand-held remote control unit,translating video signals from a network-native format into a formatthat can be used by televisions or other display devices, providing avideo signal to televisions or other display devices, and otherfunctions.

The functionality of the subscriber side system may reside in astand-alone device, literally a box that can be placed on, or at leastnear, the television, that is similar in outward form to conventionaldevices for receiving cable programs. The subscriber side systemfunctionality could alternatively be performed by hardware residentelsewhere, such as within the television or display console, or by anysuitably equipped terminal device. Since the hardware may be proprietaryto the service provider and may generally be a physically independentdevice, the term set top box is used here, but any type of terminaldevice with similar functionality may be used.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the subscriber side systemcomprises an STB. The STB comprises tuner, receiver, demodulator 1201,demultiplexor 1202, decoder 1203, graphics processor 1204, centralprocessing unit (CPU) 1205, OOB data interface 1215, optional hard diskdrive 1206 or other mass storage device, memory 1207, and variouspossible inputs and outputs 1208.

Tuner, receiver, demodulator 1201 receives signals from the serviceprovider network 1204 over any of a variety of media as discussed above.Specifically, tuner, receiver, demodulator 1201 receives signals of afrequency band to which it is tuned and demodulates the signals toremove content signals from a carrier signal if any. Demodulated contentsignals are then supplied by tuner, receiver, demodulator 1201 todemultiplexor 1202.

Demultiplexor 1202 receives the demodulated content signals from tuner,receiver, demodulator 1201 and separates the content into multiple datastreams representing various channels. The multiple data streams arethen supplied as an input to decoder 1203.

Decoder 1203 receives the multiple data streams from demultiplexor 1202and decodes or decompresses the data streams using an appropriatealgorithm. For example, if the head-end and data center compressed thevideo signals into an MPEG-2 data stream, decoder 1203 will decode theMPEG-2 data stream from demultiplexor 1202 to form a standard videosignal. The video signal from decoder 1203 is then supplied to graphicsprocessor 1204.

Graphics processor 1204 receives the decoded video signals from decoder1203 and processes the video signals to reduce noise, provideamplifications, etc. Processed video signals from graphics processor1204 are supplied to input/output module 1208. Input/output module 1208may provide a variety of possible output types. For example, outputs mayinclude but are not limited to Audio/Video (A/V), Radio Frequency (RF),Sony/Phillips Digital Interface (SPDIF), Universal Serial Bus (USB), andothers.

Input/output module 1208 also receives control signals from thesubscriber. These control signals are typically Infrared (IR) or RadioFrequency (RF) signals from a remote control unit. Control signals fromthe subscriber are then fed back from input/output module 1208 toCentral Processing Unit (CPU) 1205.

OOB data interface 1215 is connected with and receives signals from theservice provider via a separate network such as the telephony networkdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4. OOB data interface 1215receives and detects any hot key signals sent to the STB via theout-of-band side channel of the service provider's network.

CPU 1205 executes instructions stored in memory 1207. Memory 1207 maycomprise A Random Access Memory (RAM) such as flash memory, or othernon-volatile memory. The instructions stored in memory 1207, whenexecuted by CPU 1205 cause CPU 1205 to perform various functions such ascontrolling the various elements of STB 1208, receiving hot key signals,and switching to alternate content as will be described below withreference to FIG. 13. Generally, a hot key signal will be received byOOB data interface 1215 from the head-end and data center andtransmitted over service provider network 1204. CPU 1205 monitors thedemultiplexed data streams from demultiplexor 1202 for the presence ofrelevant hot key signals.

STB 1208 may also contain an optional hard disk drive 1206 or other massstorage device. Hard disk drive 1206 allows STB 1208 to cache alternatecontent for later viewing by the subscriber. If CPU 1205 detects a hotkey signals instructing content to be cached, the demultiplexed datastream from demultiplexor 1202 may be saved on hard disk drive 1206. Thestill compressed content is stored on hard disk drive 1206 until thesubscriber chooses to view it. Once the subscriber chooses to view thecached content, CPU 1205 may retrieve the content from hard disk drive1206 and provide the compressed data stream to be decoded by decoder1203, processed by graphics processor 1204, and output throughinput/output module 1208.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing on a subscriber sidesystem for redirecting a subscriber to alternate content responsive toselection of a hot key according to one embodiment. This process may beperformed by a system such as described above with reference to FIGS. 10through 12 or any other system with similar capabilities.

First, at processing block 1300, the system receives a hot key signalfrom the service provider via the out-of-band side channel. As discussedabove, the hot key signal may be in the form of a specialized IP packetor another type of signal from the service provider. According to oneembodiment, the hot key signal may be sent from the head-end and datacenter according to the out-of-band signaling methods described in theSociety of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (STCE) standards STCE55-1,STCE55-2, or similar methods for out-of-band signaling.

At decision block 1305 a determination is made as to whether the hot keysignal is relevant to the particular subscriber. Since numerous hot keysignals may be broadcast at any particular time, the signals may befiltered before being presented to the subscriber. Such filtering may bebased on any number of possible algorithms and criteria. For example,only hot key signals related to a channel that is presently being viewedmay be considered relevant. As discussed above, a hot key signal may berelated or associated with a given channel via a field in the hot keysignal data. Another criteria for determining relevance of a hot keysignal may be choices of content types or genres which have beenselected by the subscriber. Regardless of the algorithm or criteria usedto judge relevance, if the hot key signal is determined at decisionblock 1305 to not be relevant, no further processing is performed.

If the hot key signal is determined at decision block 1305 to berelevant to the subscriber, a hot key icon or other indication isdisplayed to the subscriber at processing block 1310. As mentionedabove, this indication may be in the form of an icon placed on thescreen, a text message, a tone or even a verbal alert. Regardless of theexact form, some indication is given to the subscriber that a hot keyhas been received.

At decision block 1315 a determination is made as to whether thesubscriber has accepted the hot key. As discussed above, the subscribermay use any of a variety of means to indicate acceptance of the hot key.For example, different single or even multiple buttons on a remotecontrol may be pressed by the subscriber to accept or decline thealternate content. According to one embodiment, a single “hot keybutton” may be present on the subscriber's remote control that may bepressed by the subscriber whenever a hot key icon is present on thetelevision display. Regardless of the exact means of accepting ordeclining the hot key, if it is determined at decision block 1315 thesubscriber did not accept the hot key, no further processing isperformed.

If, at decision block 1315, the subscriber accepts the hot key, thesubscriber is redirected to the alternate content at processing block1320.

At decision block 1325 a determination is made as to whether thesubscriber has finished consuming the alternate content. Thisdetermination may be based on any of a variety of possible criteria. Forexample, the subscriber may press a button or series of buttons on aremote control to indicate that he has finished viewing the presentedmaterial. Alternatively, the subscriber may use a mouse or otherpointing device of a remote control to select a graphic on the displayto indicate that he has finished viewing the presented material.

Once a determination is made at decision block 1325 that the subscriberis finished with the alternate content, a return process is entered atprocessing block 1330. This return process may include simply returningthe subscriber to the previous content. Alternatively, the returnprocess may comprise presenting to the subscriber other availablecontent based on other hot key signals. Another alternative may includepresenting a subscriber with a number of choices of how to proceed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, at a computingdevice of a content provider, content to be provided to a media deviceof a customer of the content provider; sending an indicator from thecomputing device over a first network to the media device, wherein theindicator provides to the media device an indication of an availabilityof alternate content based on the content; and in response to receivinga signal indicating selection of the indicator at the media device,sending the alternate content to the media device, wherein the alternatecontent is sent at a different time than the content.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the indicator includes information that enables themedia device to determine a relevance of the alternate content to thecustomer.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the indicator furtherincludes information that enables the media device to determine whetherto present a selectable option that enables access by the customer tothe alternate content.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicatoris sent over the first network to the media device and the content isconcurrently sent with the indicator, and wherein the content is sentover a second network to the media device.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the alternate content is sent to the media device over thesecond network.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternate contentis hosted on a web site accessible to the computing device.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: after sending the alternatecontent, determining whether the media device has finished consuming thealternate content based on a user input received at the media device;and in response to a determination that the media device has finishedconsuming the alternate content, sending the content to the mediadevice.
 8. An apparatus comprising: a processor in a computing device ofa content provider that supports a media device of a customer of thecontent provider; and a memory accessible to the processor, the memoryincluding instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to perform operations comprising: receiving content; sendingan indicator from the computing device over a first network to the mediadevice, wherein the indicator provides to the media device an indicationof an availability of alternate content based on the content; and inresponse to receiving a signal indicating selection of the indicator atthe media device, sending the alternate content to the media device,wherein the alternate content is sent at a different time than thecontent.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indicator includesinformation that enables the media device to determine a relevance ofthe alternate content to the customer.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the indicator includes information identifying a genre of thealternate content, and wherein the relevance of the alternate content isdetermined by comparing the genre to a second genre selected by thecustomer.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indicator is sentover the first network to the media device and the content isconcurrently sent with the indicator, and wherein the content is sentover a second network to the media device.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the first network includes a digital subscriber lineconnection and wherein the second network includes a cable network. 13.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first network comprises atelephony and data network and wherein the second network comprises amedia distribution network.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein theoperations further comprise sending the content from the computingdevice over a second network to the media device, the second networkdistinct from the first network.
 15. A computer-readable storage devicestoring computer executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:receiving content; sending an indicator from a computing device of acontent provider over a first network to a media device of a customer ofthe content provider, wherein the indicator provides to the media devicean indication of an availability of alternate content based on thecontent; and in response to receiving a signal indicating selection ofthe indicator at the media device, sending the alternate content to themedia device, wherein the alternate content is sent at a different timethan the content.
 16. The computer-readable storage device of claim 15,wherein the indicator includes information that enables the media deviceto determine a relevance of the alternate content to the customer. 17.The computer-readable storage device of claim 16, wherein the mediadevice determines whether to present a selectable option based on therelevance of the alternate content to the customer, wherein theselectable option enables access by the customer to the alternatecontent.
 18. The computer-readable storage device of claim 15, whereinthe indicator is sent over the first network to the media device and thecontent is concurrently sent with the indicator, and wherein the contentis sent over a second network to the media device.
 19. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: creating the indicator based on the content; andsending the content over a second network to the subscriber device, thesecond network distinct from the first network.
 20. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 15, wherein the alternatecontent includes pay-per-view content.